EMEU OR EMU

a ratite bird in the family Dromaeidae. Like the ca oway, to which it is allied, it is common to Australia, but is being gradually destroyed. It stands about 5 or 6 ft. high and is second in size only to the ostrich. It differs from the ca oway in having a broad beak, no helmet, short feathers on the head and neck, and no wattles on the neck, no spines on the wing, and the claws of all three toes are almost equal toone another. The wings are rudimentary. but the powerful legs are well adapted for running, and are capable of giving dan us kicks when the bird is. roused. ‘There are only two living the common E., and D. trroratws, the spotted E. Both are monogamous, and tke male wholly or partially incubates the eggs. ‘Their diet is strictly vegetarian, and both their flesh and eggs are eaten by natives.